The Famous Teddy Z
| The Famous Teddy Z | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Hugh Wilson |
| Written by | Richard Dubin Wayne Lemon Sid O. Smith Robert Wilcox Hugh Wilson |
| Directed by | Frank Bonner Richard Dubin Max Tash Hugh Wilson |
| Starring | Jon Cryer Alex Rocco Jane Sibbett Milton Selzer Josh Blake Erica Yohn |
| Theme music composer | Guy Moon Stephanie Tyrell Steve Tyrell |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 20 (5 unaired) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Hugh Wilson |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production companies | Hugh Wilson Productions Columbia Pictures Television |
| Distributor | Sony Pictures Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Original release | September 18, 1989 – May 12, 1990 |
The Famous Teddy Z is an American sitcom that was broadcast on CBS during the fall of 1989. The series was created by Hugh Wilson and inspired by the true story of Jay Kantor, who was a mailroom clerk at MCA and later became Marlon Brando's agent.[1]
Synopsis[]
The series starred Jon Cryer as Theodore "Teddy" Zakalokis, a young man working in a Hollywood talent agency in order to avoid being stuck in his Greek-American family's bakery. When Hollywood star Harland Keyvo (a caricature of Marlon Brando) meets Teddy Z, he is so impressed by his honesty that he makes him his new agent. The humor is derived from Teddy's innocent approach to the business, contrasted with the snake-like behavior of his fellow agents. The cast also included Jane Sibbett, Alex Rocco, Milton Selzer, Josh Blake, and Erica Yohn.
Cast[]
- Jon Cryer as Theodore "Teddy" Zakalokis
- Alex Rocco as Albert "Al" T. Floss
- Josh Blake as Aristotle "Ari" Zakalokis
- Tom LaGrua as Richard "Richie" Herby
- Milton Selzer as Abe Werkfinder
- Jane Sibbett as Laurie Parr
- Erica Yohn as Deena Zakalokis
Recurring[]
- Dennis Lipscomb as Harland Keyvo
- Jack Armstrong as Marty Horn
- Barry Corbin as Zed Westhymer
- Tony Di Benedetto as Uncle Nikos
- Liz Torres as Aunt Angie
Production[]
Music[]
The theme song was written by Guy Moon, Stephanie and Steve Tyrell and performed by Bill Champlin.
Cross-over[]
Rocco's character, Al Floss, also made a crossover appearance on Murphy Brown, as the agent for several of that show's characters.
Episodes[]
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | Hugh Wilson | Hugh Wilson | September 18, 1989 | |
|
Fresh from the army, Teddy gets a job in the mailroom of a talent agency. Through a fortuitous set of circumstances, he winds up picking up powerful but childish Hollywood actor Harland Keyvo. Teddy ends up reprimanding the actor, punching him, and securing a job as his agent. Guest Stars: Dennis Lipscomb (Harland Keyvo), Nick Segel (Marty Cane), Jack Armstrong (Marty Horn), Dennis Selberg (Senior Agent), Andrew Philpot (Al Floss' Secretary) | |||||
| 2 | "What's an Agent to Do?" | Richard Dubin | Hugh Wilson | September 25, 1989 | |
|
On his first day as an agent, Teddy has no idea what to do. Meanwhile, Laurie resents being offered a position as Teddy's secretary. Guest Stars: Nick Segel (Marty Cane), Jack Armstrong (Marty Horn), Tony Di Benedetto (Uncle Nikos), Liz Georges (Secretary) | |||||
| 3 | "Bobby the Chimp" | Hugh Wilson | Hugh Wilson | October 2, 1989 | |
|
Teddy fights for the rights of a simian TV star. Guest Stars: Barry Corbin (Zed Westhymer), Michael Lembeck (Lou Neffler), Bernie Hern (Sol Seberwitz), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary), Beau the Chimp (Bobby, the Chimpanzee), Mary Hart (Herself) | |||||
| 4 | "A Day at the Beach" | Max Tash | Hugh Wilson | October 16, 1989 | |
|
Intending only to water the plants, Teddy reluctantly brings his family along to a movie star's beach house. Guest Stars: Tony Di Benedetto (Uncle Nikos), Liz Torres (Angie), Frank Hamilton (Dave Bender), Paul Satterfield (Boyfriend), Kathy Bendett (Mrs. Herby), Al Puglies (Brother-in-Law), Maria Cavaini (Daughter), Davey Roberts (Anthony) | |||||
| 5 | "Teddy Makes $50,000... In One Day" | Richard Dubin | Richard Dubin | October 23, 1989 | |
|
When he signs a contract to star in The Dark Closet, Harland finagles a fat bonus for Teddy, but he later decides he doesn't want to do the film. Guest Stars: Dennis Lipscomb (Harland Kevyo), Herb Edelman (Lassiter Fogel), Nick Segal (Marty Cane), Jack Armstrong (Marty Horn), Lisa Mende (Donna Ubet), Marc Silver (Bobby Stein), Allan David Fox (Marty Page), Charles Hayward (Lazlo Persich), Sheila Burke (Secretary) | |||||
| 6 | "Teddy Gets Fired" | Max Tash | Story by : Chuck Ross Teleplay by : Bob Wilcox | October 30, 1989 | |
|
Al pawns off a movie script onto Teddy, and the youngster is so captivated by it that he tries to get the film made -- which makes Al look like a fool. Note: The story was "Suggested by an Article by Chuck Ross." Mr. Ross slightly altered the script for Casablanca, submitted it to over 100 agents under its original title, "Everybody Comes to Rick's," and then he wrote about the reactions.[2] Guest Stars: Dion Anderson (Derrick Galloway), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary) | |||||
| 7 | "Baking with Esther Luna" | Richard Dubin | Richard Dubin | November 13, 1989 | |
|
Al and Laurie are each miffed for different reasons when Teddy accompanies a screen siren home to bake cookies. Guest Stars: Susan Anton (Esther Luna), Niles Brewster (Man at Bar), R.J. Miller (Man), Lon Huber (Waiter), Erik Frederickson (Sommelier), Magda Harout (Woman), Loren Farmer (Ernie), Perla Walter (Chonita) | |||||
| 8 | "Teddy Sells His House" | Max Tash | Craig Nelson | November 20, 1989 | |
|
Teddy looks into buying a house closer to work. Meanwhile, Al negotiates a contract for an actor whom he doesn't realize is deceased. Guest Stars: Alan Ruck (Sheldon Samms), Bibi Besch ((Sunny Sonenberger-Langer), Reuven Bar-Yotum (Mr. Karakon), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary) | |||||
| 9 | "A Case of Murder" | Frank Bonner | Wayne Lemon | November 27, 1989 | |
|
Al bets Teddy his car that he can't pair his star clients, Harland Keyvo and Bobby, the Chimpanzee. Teddy pulls it off, Al renegs on the bet, and Harland becomes so upset about being upstaged by the chimp that he tries to murder it. Guest Stars: Dennis Lipscomb (Harland Keyvo), Barry Corbin (Zed Westheimer), Arthur Malet (The Archbishop), (Tony Hale), Beau the Chimp (Bobby, the Chimpanzee), Cindy Riegel (Tracy), Pat Crawford Brown (Mrs. O'Malley), Ricardo Gutierrez (Slate Man), Harry Stephens (Man) | |||||
| 10 | "Teddy Gets a House Guest" | Max Tash | Sid O. Smith | December 4, 1989 | |
|
A pretentious actor comes to stay with Teddy's family to research his role as a Greek character. Guest Stars: John Terlesky (Ryan Lane), Liz Torres (Aunt Angie), Tony Di Bendetto (Uncle Nikos), George Wyner (Ray Jacoby) | |||||
| 11 | "Season's Greetings from Al Floss" | Max Tash | Hugh Wilson & Bob Wilcox | December 11, 1989 | |
|
In this variation of A Christmas Carol, Al is met by a deceased business associate and three ghosts (who take the guises of Abe, Richie, and Teddy) -- but in the end, the despicable agent doesn't learn a thing. Guest Stars: Bill Macy (Murray Chekoff), Deborah Offner (Mrs. Floss), Johnny Pinto (Young Al Floss), Leilani Serelle (Blonde), Michelle Mathews (Secretary) | |||||
| 12 | "Grandma Goes to Work" | Hugh Wilson | Craig Nelson | December 25, 1989 | |
|
After he gets his first big paycheck, Deena thinks Teddy is selling drugs, so he invites her to work, where she tries to poach one of Al's clients. Guest Stars: Terry Kiser (Freddy Montane), Tony Di Benedetto (Uncle Nikos) | |||||
| 13 | "Teddy Meets His Hero" | Max Tash | Richard Sanders & Marilynn Marko-Sanders | January 8, 1990 | |
|
Teddy becomes an agent for Engineer Bob, an over-the-hill children's TV star, but the only job he can find is a personal appearance at the opening of his uncle's new restaurant. Guest Stars: Tony Di Benedetto (Uncle Nikos), Peter Hobbs (Engineer Bob), Joel Polis (Barry), Jeff Silverman (Mitch), Susan Bugg (Woman #2), Paul Brinegar (Lash Laramie), F. Richards Ford (Man #1), Harry Waters, Jr. (Man #2), Michelle Buffone (Woman #1), Davey Roberts (Anthony), Maria Cavaiani (Rose), Sue Carlton (Naomi) | |||||
| 14 | "Teddy Gets a Better Offer" | Ginger Grigg | Bob Wilcox | January 15, 1990 | |
|
Harland pressures Teddy to take a position at a rival agency. Guest Stars: Dennis Lipscomb (Harland Keyvo), Kurtwood Smith (Mel Barrett), Gloria Dorson (June), John Fujioka (Chang) | |||||
| 15 | "Agent of the Year" | Max Tash | Craig Nelson | May 12, 1990 | |
|
An obnoxious agent locks horns with Al and lures Laurie away. Guest Stars: Robin Riker (Eileen Meisner), Hy Anzell (Bobby), Phil Leeds (Alan), Sid Melton (Milt), Monty Ash (Norman), Manny Kleinmuntz (Morris), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary), | |||||
| 16 | "Teddy Goes to the Awards" | Max Tash | Sid O. Smith | Unaired | |
|
When Harland is nominated for an award, he sends Teddy to deliver a condescending acceptance speech. Guest Stars: Dennis Lipscomb (Harland Keyvo), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary), Ken Hanes (Stage Manager), Katherine Van Loan (Bartender), Roy Summersett (Man), Rosanna Iverson (Woman #1), Elizabeth Maclellan (Woman #2), Kim Adams (Audrey Tudor) | |||||
| 17 | "How to Make a Television Show" | Frank Bonner | Wayne Lemon | Unaired | |
|
Teddy watches in astonishment as everyone adds their two cents to a TV show pitch and it morphs into something else entirely. Guest Stars: Barbara Tyson (Melissa Stone), Robert Prescott (Garrison McCall), Cristine Rose (J.C. Carr), Ben Slack (Arnie Geiger), Cynthia Stevenson (Ann Policy), Bruce Mahler (Earl), Will Leskin (Bob) | |||||
| 18 | "Al Tells the Truth" | Max Tash | Bob Wilcox | Unaired | |
|
Al takes Teddy out to lunch to teach him the sleazy ways of the business, which includes lying to protect a movie star who's facing assault charges. Guest Stars: Robert Culp (Gabe Strock), Danny Goldman (Leonard Dink), Michael Holden (Dennis), Danny Shock (Waiter), Robert Fran Telfer (Maitre d'), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary), Kelly Miller (Strock's Secretary) | |||||
| 19 | "Teddy's Big Date" | Max Tash | Wayne Lemon | Unaired | |
|
Laurie agrees to attend a movie screening with Teddy, but his dream date turns into a nightmarish double-date with her inebriated mother. Guest Stars: Janet Carroll (Fay Parr), Phil Brock (Maitre d'), Hector Elias (Enrique), Larry Goodhue (Singing Waiter #1), Dalton Cathey (Singing Waiter #2) | |||||
| 20 | "Teddy Gets a Guru" | Max Tash | Sid O. Smith | Unaired | |
|
Loony new age movie star guru Donna Gates pursues Teddy for representation, so Al goes out of his way to impress her. Guest Stars: Bebe Neuwirth (Donna Gates), Kathe Mazur (Greta), David Knell (Barrett Tilman), Douglas Roberts (Paul Mullen), Margo Rose (Jane), Kavi Raz (Indian Waiter), Andrew Philpot (Floss' Secretary) | |||||
Reception[]
The series pilot was seen to be far stronger than subsequent episodes, but the series received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including one for the pilot, and for Alex Rocco, who won an Emmy as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series,[3] but low ratings led CBS to drop it with five episodes unaired. It was later run in its entirety on Comedy Central in 1993 with episodes introduced by Rocco, and by Trio as part of its Brilliant But Cancelled series.[4]
Awards and nominations[]
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Emmy Awards | Nominated | Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series | Hugh Wilson |
| Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Liz Torres | |||
| Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series | Hugh Wilson (For pilot episode) | |||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Alex Rocco |
References[]
- ^ "Trio Launches "Brilliant But Canceled" Television Month in December". test.triotv.com. 2002-10-22. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
- ^ A Rose, um, a Script by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet by Paul D. Marks
- ^ "Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series Nominees / Winners 1990". Television Academy.
- ^ "Tuning In Shows The Networks Tuned Out". Cable World. 2002-10-28. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
External links[]
Categories:
- CBS original programming
- 1989 American television series debuts
- Television shows set in Los Angeles
- 1980s American sitcoms
- 1990s American sitcoms
- 1990 American television series endings
- Primetime Emmy Award-winning television series
- Television series by Sony Pictures Television
- Television series created by Hugh Wilson
- Television series about show business